Britain PM Rishi Sunak Supports Initiatives for New UK Gas and Oil Exploration

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed support for plans to permit new fossil fuel exploration off the coast of Britain, emphasizing his commitment to a pragmatic and proportionate approach in achieving net zero emissions. The government is anticipated to grant approval for the development of Rosebank, a significant oil and gas field near Scotland's Shetland Isles, which is believed to be the UK's largest undeveloped reserve, as well as other sites in the nearby North Sea in the near future.

This announcement has provoked strong objections from environmental activists who argue that halting all new fossil fuel extraction is imperative for Britain's mid-century decarbonization goals. They accuse the British leader of lacking conviction in climate policies and exploiting the issue for political gain, particularly in light of an upcoming general election amidst a cost-of-living crisis. The main opposition, the Labour Party, currently leading in the polls, declared earlier this year that it would not issue new North Sea drilling licenses if it regains power after more than a decade in the opposition.

Sunak, who assumed leadership in October, has defended his approach by stating that he aims to support the UK's energy industry and has hinted at the potential consequences of not utilizing new UK oil and gas resources, suggesting that it could lead to energy shortages in the country. These statements come in the wake of the Conservative Party's surprising victory in a parliamentary by-election in northwest London following former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's departure. The close win occurred amid voter concerns over Labour mayor Sadiq Khan's expansion of a vehicle tax scheme targeting high-pollution vehicles, and it seems to have emboldened opponents of the Tory net zero agenda.

In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Sunak reiterated his support for motorists and announced a review of controversial low-traffic neighborhoods, which are local authority-led initiatives designed to restrict vehicle usage in specified areas by blocking roads. "I think it makes absolutely no sense, as the Labour Party is suggesting, to ban North Sea oil and gas," Sunak told the Sunday Telegraph. "That is just going to weaken our energy security and strengthen the hands of dictators like (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin," he said, arguing it jeopardised 200,000 jobs and threatened & $103 billion worth of tax revenue.

The government has faced criticism from climate activists since the by-election victory, as it has suggested potential relaxation of some UK environmental targets and has offered only lukewarm support for the country's ambitious net zero emissions goals. Notably, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg criticized the UK government as "out of touch from reality" after Energy Minister Grant Shapps indicated the intention to maximize North Sea reserves.

In response, several mainstream advocacy groups, claiming to represent millions of Britons, wrote to Sunak, pledging to mobilize if net zero policies are compromised. Sunak, who has faced criticism for his frequent use of helicopters and airplanes for domestic travel, has stressed his desire to leave the environment and climate in a better state. "But I'm going to do that in a way that is pragmatic and proportionate, and not unnecessarily add costs or hassle to people's lives," he added, noting the current grim economic reality many face.